Ian Smith, Country Director, Nepal

International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Nepal Country Director Ian Smith leads IFES' efforts to promote inclusive elections in Nepal under the U.S. Agency for International Development’s “Strengthening Political Parties, Legislative, and Electoral Processes” program (SPPELP). Under SPPELP, IFES provides technical support to the Election Commission of Nepal to support its management of elections and legal reform while implementing civic and voter education projects to marginalized groups throughout Nepal. Smith previously held the position of chief of party for IFES Libya under the “Libya Elections and Governance Support” program, which provided direct support to the High National Election Commission to successfully implement Libya's first-ever democratic election.

Smith has over 15 years' experience working in the election field serving as a technical expert for IFES, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the International Organization for Migration, and the United Nations Development Programme in countries such as Georgia, Kosovo, Libya, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and Yemen. He has also worked on the development of election-related training curriculums and capacity building programs in Myanmar, the Philippines, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, in addition to drafting and reviewing multiple Building Resources in Democracy Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) modules. Smith also managed the design and monitoring of out-of-country voting programs for elections in Iraq, South Sudan and Afghanistan.

In addition to his international work, Smith has worked on local elections in Canada researching and implementing alternative election strategies for persons with disabilities including internet voting systems and electronic voting machines. Smith holds a Master of Environmental Studies with a specialization in international development and refugee studies, as well as a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts and Science.